WHAT WE DO
Where We Fund + Why
The Play Ball Foundation funds middle school sports programs In Gateway Communities throughout Massachusetts. We work to address the opportunity gap by creating school-based leagues for those middle schoolers who otherwise would not have the access and opportunity to play.
New Bedford
Salem
Lynn
Methuen
LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR COMMUNITIES
Click any of the "+" icons on the map to learn more about each Play Ball community.
The Play Ball Foundation creates opportunities for students to have sports experiences in middle school which are key to increasing school engagement and youth development. Play Ball funds and supports our partner districts to ensure the leagues are run well. Play Ball's funding supports the following three areas:
Engaged, quality coaches. The vast majority of Play Ball coaches are teachers and school personnel who know and work with the students
Coaches
01
Boston
Lawrence
Holyoke
How Play Ball funding is implemented in each community
High quality sports equipment, apparel, and uniforms make the practices and games more fun and safe.
Equipment
& Apparel
02
MIKE HARNEY
Founder, Play Ball Foundation
Play Ball is able to help create and expand middle school sports opportunities because our model is efficient and scalable. We work with and build off the existing infrastructure of the school districts, so our donations are targeted on what is needed to get more feet on the field.”
Providing transportation for students, who otherwise would not have been able to attend, to and from practices and games.
03
Transportation
Play Ball Partnership Structure
Play Ball programs operate in partnership with school districts in Gateway Cities across Massachusetts. All programs funded and supported by the Play Ball Foundation have the same aspects:
01
Play Ball builds strong relationships with the school districts we fund
These relationships ensure district level buy-in and enthusiasm for middle school sports.
02
Play Ball partner school districts offer a range of sports that work best for their communities
Play Ball funds districts to offer organized school-based leagues in sports. Across our sites in Boston, Holyoke Lawrence, New Bedford, Lynn, Salem & Methuen, sports include baseball, basketball, cheer, cross country, flag football, soccer, track & field, volleyball and wrestling.
03
Play Ball programs have teachers & school personnel serve as coaches to strengthen relationships in the school
By connecting students to caring coaches, who mentor teams and are part of the school community, Play Ball helps strengthen relationships within the schools and strengthens the network of support for students.
04
Play Ball programs ensure that classmates are teammates
​School-based teams help build strong connectivity to peers in school and increase connection to the school community.
Make an Impact, Make a Donation
We believe in the power of sports. We believe in the power of our Play Ball students. We believe in the power of Play Ball communities. Help us strengthen our support by making a donation today.